Local dad's marketplace meet-up turns into a horrific incident
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Online marketplaces have been a convenient way to buy and sell items.
However, it also became a breeding ground for cyber criminals.
In a supposedly harmless transaction, a dad's attempt to sell something on Facebook Marketplace turned into a nightmare.
Last Sunday, Melbourne local Chris Cook arranged to meet up with a 19-year-old man to inspect his red Holden ute in Greensborough.
The teenager met Mr Cook outside his home, and the two set off for a test drive.
According to Mr Cook's wife, Christine Cook, she watched them drive away down Killarney Ridge, not knowing the terror that would unfold.
During the drive, Mr Cook offered the teen a chance to drive, which took a drastic turn for the worse.
The young man allegedly pulled out a knife and demanded Mr Cook to get out of the vehicle.
As Mr Cook refused, the young man immediately stabbed the 58-year-old man.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, including internal bleeding and a punctured lung, Mr Cook managed to eject the attacker from the vehicle and drove back home.
He then alerted his wife to call an ambulance.
As Mr Cook continued to recover in the hospital, his local community was left in shock due to the violence.
Authorities arrested the suspect, who hailed from Wyndham Vale, after fleeing on foot.
However, he was brought to another hospital for hand injuries.
A knife, believed to be the weapon used in the attack, was recovered on the road near the abandoned ute.
Detectives are set to interview the young man after staying in the hospital.
As of writing, no charges had been laid against the man.
This terrifying ordeal left Mr Cook wounded and his wife traumatised.
'It could have been me if I was alone,' Ms Cook lamented.
'It is scary with the Marketplace. You need to be careful.'
We urge everyone to take extra precautions when selling or buying items online.
Here are some safety tips to consider:
We wish Mr Cook a speedy recovery.
Have you had any experiences with buying or selling online? Do you have any additional safety tips to share with the community? Share them with us in the comments below. Your insights could help keep someone else safe.
However, it also became a breeding ground for cyber criminals.
In a supposedly harmless transaction, a dad's attempt to sell something on Facebook Marketplace turned into a nightmare.
Last Sunday, Melbourne local Chris Cook arranged to meet up with a 19-year-old man to inspect his red Holden ute in Greensborough.
The teenager met Mr Cook outside his home, and the two set off for a test drive.
According to Mr Cook's wife, Christine Cook, she watched them drive away down Killarney Ridge, not knowing the terror that would unfold.
Mr Cook sustained stab wounds on his upper body and lower abdomen. Image Credit: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio
During the drive, Mr Cook offered the teen a chance to drive, which took a drastic turn for the worse.
The young man allegedly pulled out a knife and demanded Mr Cook to get out of the vehicle.
As Mr Cook refused, the young man immediately stabbed the 58-year-old man.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, including internal bleeding and a punctured lung, Mr Cook managed to eject the attacker from the vehicle and drove back home.
He then alerted his wife to call an ambulance.
As Mr Cook continued to recover in the hospital, his local community was left in shock due to the violence.
Authorities arrested the suspect, who hailed from Wyndham Vale, after fleeing on foot.
However, he was brought to another hospital for hand injuries.
A knife, believed to be the weapon used in the attack, was recovered on the road near the abandoned ute.
Detectives are set to interview the young man after staying in the hospital.
As of writing, no charges had been laid against the man.
This terrifying ordeal left Mr Cook wounded and his wife traumatised.
'It could have been me if I was alone,' Ms Cook lamented.
'It is scary with the Marketplace. You need to be careful.'
We urge everyone to take extra precautions when selling or buying items online.
Here are some safety tips to consider:
- Always meet in a public place, preferably during the daytime. Places near police stations are great options.
- Bring a friend or family member along for the transaction.
- Inform someone else about your meet-up plans.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, cancel the meet-up.
- Keep personal information private. Only share your address or financial details once you are sure of the transaction's safety.
- Consider using secure payment methods that offer buyer and seller protection.
We wish Mr Cook a speedy recovery.
